Kirsten Bille, gift med Otto Skeel 1705

This print of Kirsten Bille, married to Otto Skeel, was created by Johan Friedlein. It is an engraving, made by carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper against the surface to transfer the image. The process demands both precision and care, and was a very effective mode of reproduction before photography. In this case, the labor-intensive process is especially fitting. The print is dedicated to Kirsten Bille, and is replete with aristocratic symbolism, including heraldry and idealized figures. The very act of creating this detailed, mechanically reproduced image elevates Bille, imbuing her with a timeless quality, akin to the value placed on handcrafted objects. The choice of engraving underscores the social context of the artwork, reminding us that even in the realm of fine art, the means of production—the labor, skill, and materials—deeply influence our perception and understanding.